West Hole
Reef off the New Jersey coast
Location
About This Ground
Very good slough 9 nautical miles E (90 degrees T) of Gardden State North Reef. Work the reef edges where predators ambush baitfish.
The bottom characteristics are hard material.
Target Species
Best Times to Fish
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Flounder (Fluke) | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off | Off |
| Black Sea Bass | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
| Tautog (Blackfish) | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Weakfish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Off | Off | Off | Off |
Charters to Fish West Hole
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Wreck fishing specialists
The Gambler
point-pleasant-beach
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
Miss Chris Boats
Cape May
- ✓Three daily departure times
- ✓Air-conditioned 80-foot vessel
Starlight Fleet
Wildwood
- ✓85-foot vessel
- ✓Family-friendly atmosphere
Compare all sea bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore Tackle for West Hole
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Sea Bass and Tautog fishing.
Inshore Spinning Combo (7 ft)
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN
Penn Pursuit V Travel Spinning Reel 7' 3-PieceFishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles

PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
Inshore Bucktail Jig
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.

kmucutie
kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 1 OZ)

kmucutie
kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 2 OZ)
Inshore Surface Plug
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.
Inshore Soft Plastic
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.

Matrix Shad
Matrix Shad Original 3 Inch Fishing Lure for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Bass - Paddle Tail Swimbaits for Freshwater and Saltwater - Magneto - 8 Count Bag (Pack of 1)

Vhxmaizxn
Vhxmaizxn 30pcs Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits Soft Baits Lure for Bass Crappie Trout Shad Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Mixed 3.5 Inch 4.7 Inch Swim Bait Kit with Box
Inshore Tackle Bag
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at West Hole?
West Hole is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Weakfish.
How do I get to West Hole?
West Hole is located 9 nm E (90 degrees T) of Gardden State North Reef. The nearest departure point is Barnegat Inlet.
What makes West Hole a good fishing spot?
Reef structures provide habitat for a variety of species. Artificial reefs are regularly stocked and monitored by NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Quick Info
- Type
- Reef
- Nearest Inlet
- Barnegat Inlet
- Location
- 9 nm E (90 degrees T) of Gardden State North Reef
- Size
- 259 acres
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at West Hole.
More to Explore
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Learn more →


